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Homemade Pollo Loco

Homemade Pollo Loco: Juicy Chicken for Flavorful Feasts

Discover a vibrant Homemade Pollo Loco recipe that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen with juicy grilled chicken.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts for lean meat
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Marinade
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin can be omitted
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust for spiciness
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh if available
Optional Garnishes
  • to taste chopped cilantro for freshness
  • to taste lime wedges to spritz before serving

Equipment

  • grill
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • resealable plastic bag
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Pollo Loco
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, and minced garlic. Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Take the chicken and place it in a resealable plastic bag or a large shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, aiming for 400°F to 450°F about 15 minutes before grilling.
  4. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, discard the marinade, and place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Once grilled, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight and avoid overcrowding the grill.

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